What’s the Best Gift You Can Give a Young Person?

When you think back to your childhood, were there adults who helped you become the person you are today? Maybe it was a coach, a pastor or a family friend who invested in you by listening and encouraging you.

Simply by showing up, Upbring mentors help children and young adults write a new story, one where someone believes in them, laughs with them and chooses them.

“One of the best gifts you can give a young person is your time,” said Trevon, an Upbring BeREAL participant.

“When you’re in foster care, people constantly come and go from your life. BeREAL connected me with adults who are always there for me. I want to give back to the program as a mentor someday.”

Mentors can be especially important when it comes to education, one of Upbring’s five markers of every child’s well-being.

The Christian Science Monitor notes that if students feel supported by adults in school, it can reduce the likelihood of them dropping out by 25 percent.

Furthermore, youth with mentors have fewer unexcused absences from class than students without mentors, according to a study cited by youth.gov.

How can you help? (Hint: Become A Mentor)

Even with the growth of mentoring groups during the past two decades, an estimated 9 million at-risk U.S. children will turn 19 without that connection, reports MENTOR.

Mentors are an essential part of the work we do to end the cycle of child abuse. Your willingness to share your hobbies, talents, encouragement and time with our Texas children makes a tremendous impact on their lives.

If you are interested in mentoring and other volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteer page or contact Amanda Angell, volunteer and stewardship coordinator, at [email protected] or 512-706-7856.